* The new Discipleship Pathway layout flipped Modules 2 & 5;
Module 5 is now Guidance and Module 2 is now Confession. If you were using the old version, skip back to module 2 to complete Confession and then continue on from Module 6!
ASSIGNMENT: Complete your Timeline using the Creating Your Timeline guide, and bring it to Meeting 2 ready to share with your discipler.
Why Look Back at Your Life Story?
Scripture is full of people who looked back to see God’s hand. Joseph, after years of betrayal and prison, told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Moses retold Israel’s journey in Deuteronomy so the people would remember God’s faithfulness. The psalmists recount God’s works again and again. Looking back is not nostalgia; it is a spiritual discipline that builds trust for the road ahead.
In this meeting the discipler goes first, sharing their own Timeline and Life Theme. This is intentional. When the disciple sees their discipler share both high points and painful turns, they learn that this is a safe space to be honest about their own story.
How to Share Your Timeline Well (For the Discipler)
Prepare in advance. Complete your Timeline and Life Theme before the meeting using the resources linked below.
Be honest but appropriate. Share real struggles, but choose the level of detail wisely.
Highlight redemption. Explain how God has used even painful events for good in your life.
Keep it to about 30 minutes. Leave time for questions and for explaining the assignment.
Invite questions. Let your disciple ask what they are curious about.
Tips for Creating Your Timeline (For the Disciple)
Set aside about two hours. Find a quiet place and plan for a break halfway through.
Start with prayer. Ask God to bring to mind the moments that have shaped you most.
Include both positive and negative turns. Moves, losses, relationships, achievements, failures, turning points in faith.
Do not rush the painful parts. If something is too difficult to write about, you can simply name it.
Look for God’s presence. For each event, ask: Where was God? What did I learn? How has this shaped me?
Bring it to Meeting 2. You will share it with your discipler, who will help you discern God’s work.
Questions to Discuss After the Discipler Shares
What stood out to you most in your discipler’s story?
Where did you see God at work in their life?
Are there any events in your own life that came to mind as you listened?
What feelings come up as you think about creating your own Timeline?
Going Deeper
Read Psalm 139:1–16 this week. Notice how David describes God’s knowledge of him from before birth through every day of his life. Let this passage remind you, as you create your Timeline, that God has been present in every chapter of your story. Bring your completed Timeline to Meeting 2.
Continue the Pathway — You are in Module 5: Guidance, Meeting 1 of 4. Next: Meeting 2 — Discerning Your Story. Every essay, worksheet and video for this module is collected on the Module 5 resources page.
MODULE 5: Guidance — Meeting 1
Meeting 1
DISCUSS: In this meeting, as the Discipler, you will share your Timeline and Life Theme with the disciple. Walk through your Life Turns and their descriptions, how they look on your Timeline, and your redeemed Negative Turns. Lastly, share your Life Theme and how you came about it.
Disciplers, if you have not completed a Timeline and Life Theme, see the resources, “Creating Your Timeline” and “Discerning a Life Theme”
ASSIGNMENT: Now it is time for you as the Disciple to create your own Timeline by using the resource below. Take note: it takes about 2 hours to complete the whole exercise, so be sure to set aside the time to do so! But if you ever need to pause and come back to it later, then that’s perfectly fine.
Creating Your Timeline
By Megan Koch, Inspired by Don Miller's Book Storyline: Finding Your Subplot in God's Story
One important aspect of following Jesus is understanding how God has used your life experiences to form you into who you are today. We often think our lives are chains of random, meaningless events. However, when we encounter Jesus, we realize that we have a God who is present in all of it—even the difficult times. We are often so overwhelmed with simply living our lives that we rarely have an opportunity to step back and ask, “What does it all mean?” This exercise will do just that.
You will identify 8-10 of the most pivotal events of your life story and plot them on a timeline, just like a screenwriter would do. (Some people may identify more than 10 events, some less.) Once you’ve identified these events, you’ll begin to build a redemptive perspective and recognize how God has used these seasons to shape you into who you are today. Once you see that, you’ll begin to understand your purpose and calling in new ways.
You’ll need to set aside about 2 hours to complete this timeline, so plan accordingly. Don’t rush. If you need to leave this project and come back to it again to complete it, please do so.